My behavior fell short of the standards expected of me, and for that, I am truly sorry.”
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, the member of the House of Representatives who assaulted a Bolt driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya, for “disrespecting” him, has tendered a public apology over his behaviour.
In the statement he issued late Monday, October 28, 2024, Ikwechegh acknowledged that his actions as caught in a widely circulated video were unacceptable and unbecoming of a public official.
He also expressed willingness to take necessary steps to ensure that Mr Abuwatseya gets justice, adding that he is cooperating with the police on the matter.
The statement read, “I, Honourable Alex Ikwechegh, Member of the House of Representatives, wish to address a deeply disturbing incident that occurred at my residence recently.
“A video has surfaced showing me engaging in unacceptable behavior towards an Uber driver who came to deliver a waybill for me. I am deeply sorry for my actions and acknowledge that they were unacceptable and unbecoming of a public official.
“As a public servant, I recognize the trust placed in me by my constituents and the Nigerian people. My behavior fell short of the standards expected of me, and for that, I am truly sorry. I understand that my actions have caused harm and embarrassment to the driver, my constituents, and the nation at large.
“I want to assure the public that I am fully cooperating with the Nigerian Police investigation into this matter. I support their efforts to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable.
“I also appreciate the swift condemnation of my actions by my party and the Nigerian Police, demonstrating our collective commitment to upholding the law and protecting the rights of all citizens.
“Commitment to Change
I am taking immediate steps to address the underlying issues that led to this incident. I am seeking professional counseling to ensure that such behavior never happens again. Additionally, I will be engaging in community service initiatives focused on promoting respect, empathy, and understanding.
“Call to Action
I urge all Nigerians to join me in promoting a culture of respect, tolerance, and understanding. We must work together to build a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Thank you for your understanding, and I hope that you will join me on this journey towards healing and growth.”